8 Best Trolling Motor Batteries In 2019

Buying a trolling motor is a very good investment, because it eliminates the need for paddling. You can mount a trolling motor on your boat, canoe or lightweight kayak. But in order to get the most out of it, you need to buy the best trolling motor battery.

These are specific deep cycle batteries that discharge electricity gradually over longer time periods, unlike car batteries which are used to quick-start a vehicle. They allow you to move around for hours at the speed of your choosing. They can even power other gadgets you have onboard.

It’s important to choose the best deep cycle battery for trolling motor that will give you great performance and best value for money. Check out our trolling motor battery reviews and buying guide to learn more.

Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M Deep Cycle Marine Battery

This is another versatile battery by Optima. They are known for their quality marine batteries so you won’t make a mistake choosing this product. Like the previous BlueTop on this list, this is also a versatile battery which can both function for starting as well as deep cycle. It’s an all purpose battery that will easily fit in your boat.

It is an AGM type battery with enough power even for stronger trolling motors. But, with 750 cold cranking amps, it can easily start a boat engine too. This top rated trolling motor battery has a great reserve capacity of 120 minutes. The design, as in previous model by this manufacturer, is very tough. There is no maintenance, no spills and no safety risks.

Vibrations can’t damage it. Also, because of the way Optima builds their batteries, this number of recharges for this one is 3 times larger than on similar products. However, be careful because overcharging can damage the battery. This is possibly the best marine battery for trolling motor when you consider value for the money.

What Makes This Trolling Motor Battery Stand Out

Best value for money

Dual purpose battery

Easy and safe to use

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Model & Accessory Specs

Size: 10 x 6.9 x 7.8 inchesWeight: 43.5lbsAmperage: 55AhVoltage: 12V

2

EDITORS CHOICE

ExpertPower EXP12180-2 Standard RBC7

Here we have a great deal with two compact batteries in one pack. This can be particularly useful if you have a 24V trolling motor so you can pair these two together. Or you can bring them both with you and have a spare battery when the first one runs out, if you plan on spending long time cruising on the lake.

This kayak trolling motor battery is an AGM type, which means it is sealed and can be positioned any way that you want without risk. It’s user friendly and easily installed. This is a good product that is going to be reliable during the time you spend on the water. Considering the price, it’s a good choice unless you need a more heavy duty battery.

What Makes This Trolling Motor Battery Stand Out

Two batteries in one pack

Durable

Maintenance free

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Model & Accessory Specs

Size: 7.1 x 6.6 x 3 inchesWeight: 24lbsAmperage: 18AhVoltage: 12V

3

BEST VALUE

Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 Deep Cycle AGM Solar Battery

This is a top rated deep cycle trolling motor battery by Mighty Max. It’s a compact and light battery that is best used for smaller trolling motors. It’s lightest trolling motor battery for fishing kayaks and small boats. This is an AGM type battery which is sealed and very secure. It’s maintenance free, with a long lifespan, high discharge and deep discharge recover.

It can be mounted in any position because it’s resistant to shock and vibration. It performs really well in both high and low temperatures. Considering what you get when you buy this lightweight trolling motor battery, the price is very good. You also get a 30 day refund and a 1 year warranty which is nice.

VMAX VMAX857 AGM Deep Cycle Marine Battery

The VMAX857 is an excellent lightweight trolling motor battery designed especially for this purpose. It’s small so you can easily put it in your kayak, yet the overall quality is fantastic. It’s sturdy but light, and it comes with a useful carry handle. Even though this is the best marine deep cycle battery, it’s very versatile and can be used as a backup battery when you needed.

It’s an AGM type battery, with all the upsides (sealed and leak proof, resistant to vibrations and position angle) but with even better build quality. It has thicker plates which improves the performance of the battery, as well as prolonging the lifespan to up to 8 years. This kayak trolling motor battery handles being frequent discharges and recharges really well. The VMAX857 will certainly deliver what it promises.

What Makes This Trolling Motor Battery Stand Out

Great compact battery

Very useful for kayaks

Built to last

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Model & Accessory Specs

Size: 7.7 x 5 x 6.1 inchesWeight: 25lbsAmperage: 35AhVoltage: 12V

5

VMAX MR127 AGM Deep Cycle Maintenance Free Battery

The MR127 is a real colossus on our list. It’s heavier but it gives you twice more power than other batteries featured here. If you have space for this battery in your vessel, it’s an excellent choice. It has an excellent deep cycle performance, so you’ll certainly be more than satisfied using it with your trolling motor.

Even though it’s large, it charges extremely fast. This is because the AGM system inside is very effective. It has a strong plastic exterior and is completely sealed making it very durable and risk-free when it comes to shocks. It comes with carrying handles to make transfer easier, because it is quite heavy. This trolling motor battery does cost more, but it will perform great even with stronger trolling motors.

What Makes This Trolling Motor Battery Stand Out

Amazing capacity

Fast recharging

Allows maximum speed for a long time

View More By VMAX Marine »

Model & Accessory Specs

Size: 12.1 x 6.7 x 8.2 inchesWeight: 68lbsAmperage: 100AhVoltage: 12V

6

Optima 8006-006 34M Marine Starting Battery

If you require versatility, this battery is a great choice. This is a dual purpose battery that will both start without problems even in bad weather, and also provide constant power for your trolling motor when on water, giving a runtime of a few hours. It has a reserve capacity of 100 minutes which gives it constant performance and longer shelf life.

This is an AGM type battery that was made to be really sturdy. It’s spill proof and requires no maintenance. Compared to others, this one is possibly the best battery for trolling motor when it comes to vibration and shock resistance. It also has a unique cell design which makes it even more safe and eco-friendly.

What Makes This Trolling Motor Battery Stand Out

Dual purpose battery

Very resistant to shock and vibrations

Reliable

View More By Optima »

Model & Accessory Specs

Size: 10 x 6.9 x 7.8 inchesWeight: 38.4lbsAmperage: 50AhVoltage: 12V

7

Interstate Batteries DCM0035 Deep Cycle Battery

Here we have another very good compact battery. This one offers all the things others do, for a really nice price. It’s ideal for using with smaller trolling motors, giving you a few hours of moving around. This top rated trolling motor battery is an excellent replacement for your old worn out one because it’s a reliable product that charges quickly and can be used often.

This product by Interstate Batteries has a constant performance and requires no maintenance whatsoever, because it’s AGM type, like the rest. They are most featured because they offer the best quality for your trolling motor. This battery is perhaps one of the smallest deep cycle batteries available to buy.

The case is made from hard plastic, making it very difficult to damage this kayak trolling motor battery. Because of this, it’s very safe to use. It also comes with a nice carry handle. This battery is a good recommendation if you’re not going to spend all day moving around, otherwise it’ll run out and you will need an alternative.

Mighty Max Battery ML55-12 SLA Trolling Motor Deep Cycle Battery

Here we have another product from Mighty Max, this time larger and with more power. With the high discharge rate it’s very good for a number of other purposes, not just trolling motors. Like the other product from this manufacturer, it has a good resistance to shock and vibrations.

It’s an SLA (sealed lead acid), AGM type battery which is very safe to use and maintenance free. It has a calcium alloy grid to further boost its performance. This is a very good battery which is going to be reliable in all conditions including low and high outside temperatures. It should last a long time, so you don’t have to worry about batteries for years.

How To Choose The Best Trolling Motor Battery – Buying Guide

Choosing the right trolling motor battery is essential because they can vary significantly in capacity, quality, and lifespan. You should get a battery that is durable, reliable and light. When buying a battery, you have to consider the type of battery you are getting, as well as the price and customer satisfaction.

You want it to be convenient and with a good lifespan. It beats the purpose to you give a large amount of money for a battery you have to replace after a short time. There are three basic types of batteries used for trolling motors, each with some ups and downs. Take a closer look at some of the features and how to decide.

Wet-Cell

This is a basic battery type that can also be used for trolling motors. The only upside compared to the other two types is that the wet-cell battery is the cheapest. So if you don’t want to spend big bucks on a battery, this is your way to go. However, this type requires maintenance, because of the battery acid. Also, you may need to add distilled water from time to time.

They are not sealed and can potentially leak the mentioned battery acid. This can lead to corrosion so you need to be careful because it can impact their performance or even damage them completely. They are susceptible to vibrations that occur on water, which can cause further leakage. If you are willing to invest your time in proper maintenance, this type can last for a year or two.

AGM

AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) batteries are more modern and a better solution, but also pricier. As the name says, they have a fiberglass plating. They are also completely sealed which means they won’t have any leakage. You can position them on the side or in any other position. This is very useful when you go fishing and want to save space in your boat or kayak.

Another benefit of AGM battery being sealed is that it won’t emit harmful gasses because they all stay inside, which eliminates the need for a ventilated case. They charge almost twice as fast compared to wet-cell type and have double the lifespan. These batteries are also very resistant to cold and vibrations. One downside is that it can be sensitive to overcharging, so you have to be careful about that. This type is probably the best deep cycle battery when you consider value for money.

Lithium-ion

The lithium-ion battery has only recently become more popular for trolling motors. You have certainly heard of lithium-ion batteries since they are most commonly used in mobile phones and laptops. However, lithium marine trolling batteries are a very good choice for your trolling motor because they charge really fast and last a long time while out on water.

If you don’t overheat and overcharge, they can last for many years. They are also much lighter compared to wet-cell and AGM batteries, which will allow you higher speeds. This is why it’s popular among competitive anglers. However, the price is a big downside here, because this type of battery is the most expensive by far.

Lifespan

A battery has a decline in capacity over time, because of the heating and chemical processes that occur inside while charging and discharging. Life of a deep cycle marine battery depends on a lot of things, but mainly on the type of battery you choose. As we mentioned, the wet-cell type can normally last anywhere from one to two years, sometimes a bit more but they require maintenance to be durable. AGM type can last from two to four year on average, which can vary from one manufacturer to another (some last even longer). Lithium-ion batteries have the longest lifespan on average and can last up to 10 years.

Of course, not everything depends just on the battery type. If you take better care of it, it has a better chance to function longer – maintenance when needed, temperature, avoiding overheating and overcharging and so on. Some manufacturers simply make better products than others, even if it’s the same type of battery. Take that into consideration too. If a supplier gives longer warranty on a product, it can be an indicator that the battery is better.

Vibration Resistance and Durability

There are a lot of vibrations occurring in your boat and kayak, and this can very negatively affect your battery. The best trolling battery should be shock resistant, to avoid damage. Otherwise, you risk potential damage which can result in the battery not charging properly, or not charging at all. In some bad cases, it can even short-circuit. It’s also best if the battery is sealed. You should look for a battery that has both of these properties, and can be positioned however you like.

Size

The size is important for two reasons. It can take up much space in your kayak, which is annoying. Most trolling motors use one 12V battery, and depending on the type you choose it can be very light-weight and compact. The other thing you should really consider is the weight of the battery. Batteries usually weigh between 20 and 50lbs.

This can sometimes be a problem, especially if having a heavy battery means you are crossing the weight limit of your kayak. Most people choose lighter batteries for their kayaks so they can move faster. However, both in our trolling motor battery reviews and online you can find information about the dimensions and the weight of the battery, so you can decide if it’s good for your vessel. Always measure carefully before buying.

Convenience and Ease of Use

The deep cell marine battery you buy should be convenient, of course. You have to install the battery and connect everything without trouble. As mentioned, some batteries can be put in different positions without having to worry about spilling or malfunction. Also, it’s much easier if you don’t have to perform maintenance on the battery. Just charge and use, simple as that. However, the most convenient batteries are those which will serve you for a long time.

Versatility

If you are going to use the battery to charge other things onboard too (not just the trolling motor), you may want to buy a dual purpose battery. Deep cycle batteries normally used for trolling motors discharge a large amount of their capacity over long time periods, and therefore are not the best choice for quick-starting. Dual purpose batteries can perform both these things, but that can influence the overall lifespan of the battery. In the bottom line, you should know what the battery will be used for and buy accordingly.

FAQs

Q: How to charge trolling motor batteries while on the lake?

A: You can charge your batteries on the lake by using conventional chargers. The charging speed should be adjusted so you can comfortably and safely do it. However, you should be careful when charging AGM batteries because they can charge very fast which can destroy the cells, so low ampere charging is better. Also, you can use solar panel chargers which function very good. This is a solid method for maintaining the charge of the battery while on water, but it may not charge the battery at the same speed as a conventional charger.

Q: How to wire a trolling motor to the batteries?

A: Battery manufacturers recommend using a 6-gauge wire when wiring the batteries. It’s advised to install a manual reset circuit breaker. Before connecting the battery system to the trolling motor, be sure all the switches are off. If you’re using a 12V battery, you should connect the red lead from the trolling motor to the + (positive) battery terminal. The circuit breaker should be used on this connection. Then connect the black lead from the trolling motor power cable to – (negative) battery terminal.

If you have a 24V trolling motor, you can power it using two 12V batteries. The way you connect it is as following: connect the black lead cable from the trolling motor to the – (negative) on the second battery. Connect the red lead from the trolling motor to the + (positive) battery terminal on the first battery. The circuit breaker should be on this connection. Finally, use a jumper cable to connect them – on the first battery and the + on the second. The jumper wire should have the same gauge as the rest.

Q: How long should trolling motor batteries last?

A: This depends on several things. The combination of battery and motor power will determine how many running hours you will have. Also, if you are running the motor at full speed or if your boat is heavy, the battery will drain faster. To explain in more detail – if your trolling motor is drawing 10A per hour going at medium speed, and your battery capacity is 50Ah, you can expect a running time of 5 hours before the battery is completely drained. So everything depends on the combination of these two, if the motor draws less and you have a bigger capacity battery, you can expect long periods on water.

Globo Surf Overview

We hope things are clearer now and you know what to look for when buying the best deep cycle battery to suit your needs. Every product in our trolling motor battery reviews has its ups and downs (but much more ups), so it’s really up to you to choose one. Follow the advice from the buying guide and buy a reliable product that won’t leave you stranded.

Have you tried a trolling motor battery that made it onto our list? How durable and efficient was it in powering your trolling motor? Let us know in the comment section below.

My name is David Hamburg. I am an avid water sports fan who enjoys paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, and kite surfing. Anything with a board or chance I can get in the water I love! I am such a big fan I decided to start this website to review all my favorite products and some others. Hope you enjoy!